Engineering Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Marine Engineer Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median marine engineer salary in Rapid City, SD is $87,219 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$87,219
vs State Avg
+$1,938
vs National
$-9,691
Cost of Living
90%

Marine Engineer Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median marine engineer salary of $87,219, which is $1,938 above the South Dakota state average of $85,281. Compared to the national median of $96,910, Rapid City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rapid City's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for marine engineers in Rapid City spans from $52,200 at the 10th percentile to $136,800 at the 90th percentile — a $84,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,800, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,500. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $55,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,800
$-6,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,500
$-14,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $52,200
25th Percentile $68,400
Median (50th) $87,219
75th Percentile $111,600
90th Percentile $136,800

Marine Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$89,157
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$83,343
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$81,404
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$79,466
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Rapid City

Education

Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open marine engineer positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $87,219 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $52,200 (10th percentile) to $136,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,219, a marine engineer in Rapid City earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Rapid City's median marine engineer salary of $87,219 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $85,281. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rapid City, SD? ▼
Rapid City has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $87,219 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Rapid City? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD, Propulsion. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.